A system reference code (SRC) is a set of eight characters that identifies the name of the system component that detects the error codes and the reference code that describes the condition.
The first 4 characters of the SRC indicate the type of error. The last 4 characters give additional information. In this document, when xxxx is shown as the last 4 characters of the SRC, each x can be any number 0 through 9, or letter A through F.
When the system detects a problem, it displays an SRC on the system control panel. When you go through the following problem-analysis procedure, you will find out how to record the SRC on paper. The information gained from the SRC can help the hardware service provider better understand the problem and how to fix it. Also, you might be able to find the SRC in the system reference code list to resolve it further on your own.
The following examples show SRCs that might occur as the result of an abnormal restart:
Any B900 xxxx SRC (where xxxx is any number or letter) during the start of the operating system phase of restart.
A Power Down System (PWRDWNSYS) command that was not completed, ending with an SRC of B900 3F10.
An error code is a group of characters or digits displayed on the console. Error codes are displayed in an error message, recorded in a problem log entry, or shown on the system control panel.
Error codes indicate that a hardware or software error condition has occurred in the system.
The system attention light is turned on when the system detects a hardware error it cannot correct. An error might result in the loss or corruption of data.
The error code recorded in the problem log is used to report errors and to perform problem analysis and resolution. Some error codes have the system automatically collect associated data that is used to diagnose the problem.
Some error codes require you to restart the system for recovery, whereas others might be handled and automatically recovered by the system.